Boca Raton Divorce Lawyers > Parkland Divorce Lawyer

Parkland Divorce Lawyer

If your Broward or Palm Beach County divorce involves contentious child custody issues or complicated facts that require sophisticated litigation our Parkland divorce lawyers at Williams & Varsegi, LLC, provide the level of knowledge, experience and commitment you need to guide you through the divorce process. Our divorce lawyers use collaborative principles to assist with the full range of issues related to your divorce, including but not limited to the division of marital property, alimony, child custody and support, and representation in both contested and uncontested divorces.

Division of Marital Property

If the parties can’t come up with a property settlement agreement on their own, the judge in a Florida divorce will make an equitable distribution of marital property after hearing from both parties and considering a number of factors. The court must determine whether an asset is marital or non-marital. Marital assets include but are not limited to assets acquired during the marriage individually by either spouse or jointly by them, the enhancement in value and appreciation of nonmarital assets resulting either from the efforts of either party during the marriage, interspousal gifts during the marriage, and all vested and non-vested benefits accrued during the marriage such as pension and retirement.

The court will typically distribute marital assets and liabilities equally, unless there is justification for an unequal distribution based on relevant factors including but not limited to the contribution to the marriage by each spouse, the economic circumstances of the parties, the duration of the marriage, any interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities of either party, the contribution of one spouse to the personal career or educational opportunity of the other spouse, and the intentional depletion of marital assets. Parties in high-net worth divorces may have complicated assets such as business interests, stock options or profit-sharing plans, and some spouses take steps to conceal or undervalue property. We utilize our knowledge, skills and experience to make sure every asset and debt is discovered, properly characterized as marital or separate property, and accurately valued. We argue for your interests under Florida equitable distribution law to ensure a fair property division that meets your needs, contact our Parkland divorce lawyers today.

Alimony

Alimony may be granted to allow a former spouse to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage for a fixed period of time after divorce, until the persona is able to be self-supporting, or indefinitely in the case of a long marriage. Alimony is not automatically granted in a Florida divorce. Either the husband or the wife may seek alimony from the other, and if this request is opposed by the other spouse, a period of litigation will follow before the judge decides whether alimony will be awarded and if so, what kind, how much and for how long. Whether you are looking to receive alimony or being asked to pay, we provide the court with the information needed on the Florida alimony factors to ensure that you are treated fairly regarding any type of alimony, including:

Bridge-the-gap
Rehabilitative
Durational
Permanent

In determining whether to award alimony, the court must make a specific factual determination as to the need for alimony or maintenance and whether the other party has the ability to pay. There are several different factors for the court to consider including but not limited to the standard of living established during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and the physical and emotional condition of each party, the financial resources of each party, the earning capacities/educational levels of each party, the contribution of each party to the marriage, the responsibilities each party will have to children, all sources of income available, and any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.

Child Custody and Support

Matters most directly affecting your children are frequently the most important, hard-fought and emotional aspects of a divorce. Our child-focused family law firm takes a special interest in issues of child custody and support. We work to obtain timesharing, parenting plans and child support that meet your needs and are truly in the best interests of your children.

Help with Contested and Uncontested Divorce in Parkland and Boca Raton

Williams & Varsegi, LLC, has the litigation experience you need in a contested divorce. Even if you and your spouse agree in general on how you want your divorce to go, we can still help in many ways, such as making sure all property is accounted for, accurately characterized and valued, and appropriately divided. Couples may agree in principle on an equitable distribution of marital property, but when it comes down to complicated assets such as pensions and business interests, or credit card debts and interspousal gifts, the assistance of an experienced attorney can be invaluable.

Even in an uncontested divorce, each party should have their own attorney to represent them in negotiations. At the very least, you should hire an attorney to review your marital settlement agreement and offer advice before you sign it. Court orders in a divorce are final and cannot be modified post-judgment without a showing of a substantial, material, unanticipated change in circumstances, so it is important that your interests are adequately represented in the divorce.

Information About the Local Courthouse in Parkland, FL

Divorce cases in Parkland, FL, are handled by the Broward County court system. The primary courthouse for family law matters is:

Broward County Central Courthouse
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-6565

This courthouse handles divorce filings, hearings, mediation proceedings, and trials. Given the complexities of high net worth divorces, it is essential to work with an experienced attorney who understands the court’s procedures and requirements.

Florida Divorce FAQs

How long does it take to get a divorce in Florida?
The timeline for a Florida divorce varies based on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as four to six weeks, while a contested divorce may take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case and court availability.
Do I have to prove fault to get a divorce in Florida?
No, Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing. The only requirement is to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. However, factors such as adultery or misconduct may impact alimony or property division.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Florida follows equitable distribution laws, which means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, financial contributions, and each spouse’s earning potential when distributing assets.
Can I get alimony in a Florida divorce?
Alimony is awarded based on need and the ability of the other spouse to pay. Florida courts consider factors like the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and each spouse’s financial resources when determining alimony.
How is child custody decided in a Florida divorce?
Florida courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody. This includes factors such as parental involvement, the child’s stability, and each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs. Parenting plans must outline time-sharing and parental responsibilities.
Do both spouses have to agree to a divorce in Florida?
No, one spouse can file for divorce even if the other does not agree. If one spouse refuses to participate, the court may enter a default judgment and grant the divorce based on the filing spouse’s petition.
What happens if my spouse refuses to sign divorce papers?
If a spouse refuses to sign, the divorce can still proceed as a contested case. The court will hold hearings and make decisions regarding property division, alimony, child custody, and support.
Can I modify my divorce agreement after it is finalized?
Yes, certain aspects of a divorce decree, such as child custody, child support, and alimony, can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs.
Is mediation required in a Florida divorce?
In most cases, Florida courts require spouses to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. Mediation helps parties resolve disputes outside of court, reducing costs and emotional stress.
How much does a divorce cost in Florida?
The cost of a divorce varies depending on whether it is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces typically cost less, with filing fees and attorney costs ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Contested divorces involving litigation, property disputes, and custody battles can cost significantly more.

Serving Throughout Parkland, FL

Heron Bay
Parkland Golf & Country Club
Watercrest
Cypress Head
MiraLago
The Ranches
Fox Ridge
Meadow Run
Parkland Isles
Ternbridge